Karen Hattum Handschin, the dear wife of the Reverend Richard Handschin of Brevard, NC, died peacefully in her home on the morning of Sunday, July 1, 2018. She was 73.

Karen was born in New Orleans on December 30, 1944. She grew up in Mineola, Long Island, New York, the oldest child of Beverly and James Hattum. She was a graduate of Mineola High School and attended some college, but soon left to get her wings and become a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines (TWA).

Karen was known to her family and friends as a quiet, but consistent advocate for women's rights, and was a volunteer locally at S.A.F.E. She spent much of her life helping children. Among other things, she was a Girl Scout leader, a Sunday School teacher, and a mentor for scholars at Rise and Shine Freedom School. Also known as an excellent cook, she easily worked side-by-side with both nationally and internationally trained chefs. Karen had a reputation of being a 'dog whisperer' and regularly surrounded herself with rescued animals.

Karen is survived by her husband, Richard; her brother James Hattum of Brentwood, CA; her sister JoAnne Hattum-Schmidt of Diablo, CA; her son Mark Robinson of Port Jefferson Station, NY, and her daughters Donna Sampanes of Tempe, AZ., Christine Barry and Kelly Barry, both of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by four grandchildren, nieces and nephews, a grand niece and two grand nephews. Her dear sister Eileen Smith of Pasadena, MD, proceeded her in death.

The family is deeply grateful for the care she received at Transylvania Regional Hospital and from Care Partners Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 22 Fisher Road, Brevard, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Rotary Foundation (Karen was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International), SAFE of Transylvania County, Rise and Shine Freedom School, The Mission Endowment Fund of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, or to Care Partners Hospice.